Beryl Charlene Teunissen

1954 - 2020

Beryl Charlene Teunissen, 66, passed away on Tuesday, December 15th, 2020 after a long and difficult time suffering from dementia. She was born on August 7th, 1954 to Laura and Donald Teunissen in Riverside, CA, the first of four children. Beryl brought a bright light and energy to everything she touched. She earned a degree in psychology from Cal State San Bernardino University, a source of pride, being the first in her family to achieve higher education. Her sense of adventure and her love of travel took her on an extended trip to Western Europe living in a VW bus, learning everything she could about a place she innately loved and craved. She had a career in Los Angeles working in film/television/theater production and distribution for Disney and other organizations. Blending the best of her passion and skills to make a difference on this planet, she worked with Sheila Laffey on The Last Stand Ballona Wetlands environmental documentary - the pinnacle of her career. She had an apartment on Venice Beach where she loved taking daily barefoot walks on the beach, feeling the sand between her toes and listening to the sound of the waves. Feeling drawn to be nearer to her family, in 2001 she moved back to Redlands where she worked at San Bernardino Associated Governments in transportation. She diligently prepared for retirement, drove her Miata with the top down, and made plans for her English rose garden that would adorn her beloved historic Victorian house that she shared with her two Persian cats, who were her babies. Beryl was an authentic spirit who shared her love, warmth and kindness with everyone she met. The annual summer family vacation was her favorite event of the year. The rest of the year, when she wasn't working, she enjoyed spending as much time as possible with family and friends, listening to live music, watching movies, sipping a good glass of vino, and just having fun. Her sense of lightheartedness and humor were spread by her contagious smile and laugh. She believed that we live in a magical universe and found joy and wonder in the people and beauty around her, wherever she went. A lifelong activist, she felt empathy for all living beings and was passionate about women's rights, lesbian and gay rights, and the environment. Her love of all things French was always showcased in her homes with her meticulous eye for interior design and detail, and there was always a special place for her black and white photos of her family, friends and cats. Beryl's love for her family and friends was immense and she will be dearly missed. She was predeceased by her dear friend Samuel Veta. She is survived by her mother, Laura Teunissen; her father, Donald Teunissen; her sister, Cheryl Emershy; her brother-in-law, Larry Emershy; her brother, Lyle Teunissen; her brother, Lynn Teunnisen; her sister-in-law, Tracee Teunissen; her six nieces and nephews, and her six great-nieces and nephews. There will not be a funeral service at this time due to COVID-19 safety concerns, however we hope to have one at a later date.